4 Traits You Need To Be A Strong, Fierce Woman

The philosophy behind “women like you drown oceans”.

I’m 5 ft 1. But I have a loud, obnoxious voice. Maybe I overcompensate for my height. But growing up, I found solace in being called fierce.

Before I was fierce, I was a quiet bullied nerd with my nose buried deep in a book.

And then I found feminism. I found new meaning in my life. I refused to be collateral damage at the wake of masculine patriarchy. I was determined to be strong, heard and hard to ignore.

But being a strong, fierce woman means so much more than being loud and obnoxious. It means having the innate ability to stand face to face with adversity, challenge societal norms, and staying mentally strong.

I was 15 when I read Rupi Kaur’s words.

“The kindest words my father said to me Women like you drown oceans.” — Rupi Kaur.

The above quote is perhaps the only one that still resonates with me, five years later. Unlike Rupi, my father is supportive. But I still find courage in “women like you drown oceans.”

I have delved deep into the philosophy of this quote for many years and here is what I’ve learnt about being a strong, fierce woman.

1. You love and respect yourself.

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Sharon Salzberg

The most important thing a fierce woman can do is love herself. Without self-love and self-respect, people will always take advantage of her. A fierce woman knows her self-worth. She doesn’t undervalue herself or her work.

When people see you, they know not to disrespect you. You have already set the tone in which they should treat you.

You ‘drown oceans’ because you are certain of yourself. You don’t need validation from other people.

You forgive yourself. You know that you’ve made mistakes and that you have flaws, just like everybody else. But you don’t let that define you. You work on yourself before anyone else.

You are a fierce woman who can ‘drown oceans’ because you love and value yourself.

2. You have unmatched courage.

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou

The metaphor of drowning oceans is empowering because it presents a naturally impossible task. Yet, it sparks courage in you. It makes you want to walk on unfamiliar ground and tread on the less travelled paths.

Fierce women fight resistance every day with the courage to do the very thing people said they can’t do.

You don’t conform to societal norms and expectations. You choose your own path. You have the unmatched courage to challenge anyone who stands in your way.

You walk away from situations that no longer have your best interests. Whether it’s a relationship, job, or business transaction.

You know when to say no. You know when something is not worth your time, effort, or heartache. You have the courage to leave when you are no longer respected.

3. You are independent.

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel

A woman who can ‘drown oceans’ is a woman who does not need anyone’s permission. She can reinvent herself, define herself and support herself. She does not wait for her knight in shining armour.

You are your knight in shining armour. You know that no one will come to save you.

You do not let the fear of failure scare you. You are ready to weather any storm if you believe the cause is worthwhile.

You know you have the control to change your life at any given moment. You have the power to be anything, do anything and think anything. You have the power and ability to break boundaries, push through adversity and create exciting innovations.

A fierce woman can ‘drown oceans’ because she knows she can do anything.

4. You are kind and compassionate.

“That’s what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.” — Simone de Beauvoir

Kindness and compassion are the drivers of force for a fierce woman. The reason she can ‘drown oceans’ is that of her kindness. People support kind people. People lean towards a fierce woman as a role model.

Being a fierce woman is to never let the pain, hardship and adversity take a toll on others. You protect others by being kind.

You never wish the worst for anyone. You always look for ways to promote peace and love rather than tearing the world apart.

You smile at everyone, even your opponent. You show that no matter what, your greatest strength comes from a place of love.

You open your arms to strangers and show compassion that you always wanted.

You are a breath of fresh air. You are fierce. You ‘drown oceans’.

Fatima Sultan is a writer, tutor and self-proclaimed nerd. She writes about life and its many excitements and disappointments. She also apparently likes referring to herself in the third person. You can read more of her writing by subscribing to her free newsletter.